New York Entertainment Attorneys

New York provides statutory protection for image and likeness rights under Civil Rights Law §§ 50–51. These laws prohibit the unauthorized use of a person’s name, portrait, picture, or voice for advertising or trade purposes without written consent.

Publicity Rights vs. Right of Privacy
In New York, publicity rights are rooted in the right of privacy. Unlike some states that recognize a broad, standalone “right of publicity,” New York’s framework is statutory and more narrowly defined. Understanding this distinction is critical when evaluating claims and enforcement options.

How New York Law Applies Across Industries
Our attorneys advise clients on how these laws apply in a range of contexts, including:

• Advertising campaigns and brand endorsements
• Film, television, streaming, and digital media productions
• Social media content and influencer marketing partnerships

Statute of Limitations and Remedies
Claims under New York Civil Rights Law §§ 50–51 are subject to specific time limitations. Remedies may include injunctive relief, compensatory damages, and, in certain cases, punitive damages. Our attorneys guide clients through enforcement strategies tailored to their situation.

Your persona is one of your most valuable assets. Our attorneys provide strategic guidance to protect and commercialize your identity across media platforms.

We assist clients in structuring and negotiating agreements that allow brands to legally use their image or likeness while ensuring fair compensation and strong contractual protections.

Services include:

• Drafting and negotiating endorsement agreements
• Licensing image, voice, and likeness rights for advertising and campaigns
• Structuring long-term brand partnerships and sponsorship deals
• Reviewing influencer and social media marketing contracts
• Establishing clear limitations on usage rights, duration, and geographic scope

Entertainment professionals frequently collaborate with brands, media companies, and digital platforms. Our attorneys help structure these partnerships to prevent misuse or overexposure of a client’s likeness.

We assist with:

• Influencer and creator brand partnerships
• Sponsorship and ambassador agreements
• Merchandising and licensing deals
• Campaign usage rights and exclusivity provisions

Artificial intelligence has introduced new risks involving the unauthorized reproduction of a person’s identity. Our entertainment attorneys help clients protect their image and voice from misuse in emerging technologies.

We advise on:

• AI voice replication and synthetic speech technologies
• Deepfake videos and manipulated visual content
• Digital avatars and virtual influencers
• Unauthorized AI model training using a person’s likeness or voice

We also draft contracts that address emerging technology risks, including provisions that:

• Prohibit unauthorized AI reproduction or training
• Require consent for future technological uses
• Restrict the creation of digital replicas
• Address post-contract exploitation of AI-generated likenesses

Publicity rights may continue to have commercial value after an individual’s death. Proper planning helps ensure that a person’s legacy and brand remain protected and managed responsibly.

Our attorneys assist with:

• Protecting publicity rights for estates and heirs
• Licensing image and likeness rights for documentaries, biopics, and merchandising
• Managing archival footage and historical content usage
• Coordinating publicity rights with wills, trusts, and intellectual property portfolios

We often work alongside estate planning attorneys to integrate publicity rights into broader estate and intellectual property strategies.

Unauthorized use of a person’s identity can cause financial and reputational harm. Our attorneys represent clients in disputes involving:

• Unauthorized brand endorsements or implied sponsorships
• Misuse of images in digital advertising or influencer campaigns
• AI-generated replicas used in marketing or media content
• False association or misleading endorsements
• Merchandising using a person’s likeness without permission

We pursue enforcement through cease-and-desist letters, negotiated resolutions, and litigation when necessary.

Our publicity rights attorneys represent a wide range of entertainment and media professionals, including:

• Film and television actors
• Musicians and recording artists
• Professional athletes and esports competitors
• Influencers, streamers, and YouTubers
• Models and public figures
• Estate representatives of deceased personalities

Each client faces unique risks and opportunities when commercializing their identity, and we tailor legal strategies accordingly.

Publicity rights continue to evolve alongside technology and media trends. Our attorneys help clients anticipate legal risks and maximize opportunities across multiple platforms.

We advise clients on:

• Protecting likeness across broadcast, streaming, and social media platforms
• Preventing unauthorized use in advertising, marketing campaigns, and merchandise
• Managing licensing rights for collaborations and endorsements
• Responding to unauthorized digital reproductions or impersonations

By proactively addressing these issues, we help clients protect their brand while maximizing its long-term commercial value.

What are publicity rights?

Publicity rights protect a person’s name, image, voice, and likeness from unauthorized commercial use. In New York, these rights are governed by Civil Rights Law §§ 50 and 51.

Can my likeness be used in AI-generated content without my permission?

Generally, no. Unauthorized AI-generated replicas or synthetic voice models may violate publicity rights and other legal protections.

Who can benefit from publicity rights protection?

Actors, musicians, athletes, influencers, models, authors, and digital content creators all rely on publicity rights to protect their personal brand and identity.

How do you enforce unauthorized use of my image or likeness?

We take prompt legal action through cease-and-desist letters, negotiation, settlement, or litigation when necessary.

Do publicity rights apply to social media posts?

Yes. If your image or likeness is used commercially—such as in advertisements or sponsored campaigns—your consent is typically required.

What’s the difference between copyright and publicity rights?

Copyright protects creative works such as photographs, music, or films, while publicity rights protect the commercial use of a person’s identity.

Can a brand use my image if I’m photographed in a public place?

Editorial or news uses may be permitted, but commercial advertising generally requires consent.

What damages are available for unauthorized use?

Remedies may include monetary damages, profits derived from the unauthorized use, and court orders preventing further misuse.

How long do publicity rights last in New York?

The duration and scope of these rights depend on statutory provisions and the specific circumstances. An attorney can advise based on your situation.